POLICE stops and searches at Glasgow Airport is "proportionate and necessary", the Justice Secretary has revealed.

Kenny MacAskill said the so-called schedule 7 powers must be used "consistently, sensitively and appropriately", adding that it is "vital" airports are effectively policed.

Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 gives police officers the power to stop, search and question people at UK airports without reasonable suspicion that the person is "engaged in terrorism".

Mr MacAskill made the comments after visiting Glasgow Airport where a new community engagement group has been set up. He said police have taken "positive measures" to address criticism of the use of the powers.

Last year he attended a public meeting about why ethnic minorities were being singled out for checks at airport security.

The meeting, held in July, was organised by SNP MSP Humza Yousaf. Criticisms were made concerning inadequate information about the extent of the police powers, as well as how the powers were being used.

Mr MacAskill said today that airport police have made "progress" in reassuring communities and building trust.

He added: "I am pleased to see the police operation first-hand and witness the important work being carried out by police at Glasgow Airport.

"They have been engaging with the local community to share information and I welcome the positive progress they have made, working hard to reassure communities and build trust following public meetings about schedule 7 powers last year.

"Concerns were raised about a lack of clear information about the powers and how they are used, and police have acted swiftly by reviewing the leaflets given to those who are stopped and by making sure information is more widely and easily available, both at the airports and in communities.

"It is important that powers to stop and question travellers must be used consistently, sensitively and appropriately.

"I am well aware of the sensitivities involved in the use of schedule 7 powers. Where there are legitimate concerns and grievances in communities we need to understand them and work together to try to address them.

"Scotland is not immune from terrorism, so it is vital that our airports are effectively policed to preserve public order and ensure that any threats to security are identified and addressed. The police play a crucial role, having to balance a duty to tackle crime with the protection of individual civil liberties. The powers they use are necessary to assist in their challenging role.

"Officers on the ground are best placed to make individual judgments as to when those powers should be used. I believe our forces make a proportionate and necessary use of the powers available to them."